Incredibly Detailed Cityscape Artworks by Stefan Bleekrode

The collection of incredibly detailed cityscape artworks below are by Stefan Bleekrode, he is an artist currently based in Eindhoven, Netherlands. Nearly all of Stefan’s pieces are created using ink, watercolor, and pencil. He very rarely uses photographs as a reference, as most of his paintings/drawings are created from his memory of a certain place.

Just as any existing city my imaginary cities have to be as complete as possible so they form the ultimate confrontation and dialogue with reality. To enhance this sense of realism I attempt to make most of my newer drawings resemble in a way black and white photographs. But here again, there’s an almost manipulative element at work. None of the drawings (nor the paintings) were based on photos. All of my work comes from memory. It’s a culmination of an endless stream of impressions I found whilst traveling in Europe and America.

When I’ve got an idea that excites me, I usually just pencil it down in my sketchbook. Sometimes pretty soon, sometimes weeks, months or even a year later I start work. First a pencil sketch on firm 300 grams ivory colored paper, then a few ink lines. I always use Talens East Indian Ink and Conté Atome pens. If I like it I’ll continue and slowly but surely the work takes shape over the course of several weeks or sometimes up to half a year. For shading I always use Winsor and Newton Ivory black watercolors paint. Often whilst working on a drawing I add and remove already planned buildings or streets to enhance perspective and the overall sense of composition.